16+ of the Best Wine Regions in Australia: Where to Wine Taste Down Under

Although Australia’s wine regions may not be as old as some other countries, Australia is now one of the world’s leading exporters of wine. You can find some of the best wine regions in Australia and you will want to add them all to your itinerary.

The first vines were planted in the 1820s and the industry has continued to grow ever since. With over 60 wine regions and over 100 different varieties, there are many options for wine lovers in Australia. The majority of the regions are in the south and in cooler parts of the country, thus giving many a unique taste in a “New World” style. Wines are typically made with super-ripe fruit and may have a slightly higher alcohol content than other wines from around the world. These best wine regions in Australia should be added to any wine lover’s Australia vacation.

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Best Wine Regions in Australia: New South Wales

Hunter Valley

By Emma of Our Wayfaring Life

The Hunter Valley, one of the best wine regions in Australia, lies two hours north of Sydney, and is the oldest wine region in Australia. In 1825, the first significant planting carried out by John Busby, the founding father of wines in Australia. Today the industry has grown to more than 150 wineries producing an extensive range of wines with the most popular whites being Chardonnay and Sémillon and the most popular reds Shiraz and Cabernet.

If you are interested in the origins of the wine industry in the Hunter and Australia, Dalwood Estate in Dalwood (formerly known as Wyndham Estate) is home to Australia’s oldest vineyard. Dalwood House, a heritage-listed homestead built from 1829 to 1838, is now a winemaking museum. Wine tasting and tours are also available.

Brokenwood Wines in Pokolbin was established in 1970 as a hobby vineyard at the base of Broken Back Ranges is now one of the most well known and regarded wineries in the Hunter Valley. Wine tasting, tours, and meals in their restaurant can be enjoyed.

Our choice of a boutique winery in the region is Blueberry Hill Wines in Rothbury. These guys are not new to the industry growing grapes and have made wines for over 50 years. However, they do not have that commercial feel of the bigger producers. They, too, offer wine tasting and tours as well as accommodations great for a romantic weekend away.

Hunter Valley or The Hunter as it is also known is much more than wineries. The area contains beaches, lush mountain highlands, and rivers. The regional city of Newcastle as well as bohemian country towns lie within its boundaries offering everything a traveler could want from city to country experiences.

Best Wine Regions in Australia: Queensland

The Granite Belt

By Christina of Travel 2 Next

Being a tropical state, Queensland may not be as well-known for its wine. However, there is an excellent wine region around Stanthorpe, known as The Granite Belt. At 1000 meters in elevation, it is home to around 50 wineries, some of Australia’s highest vineyards, and incredibly stunning national parks with impressive granite boulders.

Stanthorpe and The Granite Belt produces excellent medium-bodied wines, both red and white. Do try the first grapes planted in the region’s -Shiraz. There is also excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon, and Verdelho. This wine region also produces unusual varietals you might not have heard of like Chenin Blanc, Fiano, Viognier, Sangiovese, Nero D’avola, Mourvedre, and Tempranillo.

Ridgemill Estate has a peaceful winery on the region’s Strangebird Alternative Wine Trail and the cellar door is a great place to try wines like Jacquez, Saperavi, and Verdelhoor. The winery also has luxurious cabins among the vineyards. Other excellent wineries are Robert Channon Wines, Hidden Creek, and Sirromet Wines, one of the most well-known wineries in Queensland.

As a young wine region, there is a raw enthusiasm and a family feel. When you visit cellar doors, there is a good chance you will find yourself chatting to the winemaker or the owner. Besides being a good wine region, Stanthorpe is a foodie destination with excellent restaurants. The terroir of this cool climate region is similar to that of southern Burgundy in France. Thus, Stanthorpe is one of the best wine regions in Australia.

Best Wine Regions in Australia: South Australia

Adelaide Hills

By Natalie and Steve of Curious Campers

The Adelaide Hills wine region is just 20 minutes from the center of Adelaide. It boasts over 60 cool-climate wineries spread over 70 kilometres of picturesque rolling hills and valleys.

White wine varieties account for two thirds of the grapes grown in the region. Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay are the most common. Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris are the most commonly found reds. The hill faces and valleys create microclimates that allow for a range of minor varieties to be grown including Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Shiraz and Merlot.

We live in the Adelaide Hills and trying to pick a favorite winery is not easy! We have a sentimental attachment to Longview Winery because we were married there. Pike and Joyce in Lenswood have spectacular views from the cellar door. The ambiance at K1 in Kuitpo and Hahndorf Hill is also wonderful.

Besides the great wine, the Adelaide Hills wine region is also a beautiful landscape. As you tour between the cellar doors you will see everything from apple and cherry orchards to Australian bushland and wildlife. The historical townships dotted throughout the hills add to the charm of the vineyards.

Many of the wineries have taken advantage of the hilltops and valleys to create cellar doors that both compliment and showcase the natural environment. The wineries are some of the best places in the hills to relax and appreciate the different personalities of the seasons.

To find similar cool climate wines look to the Marlborough region in New Zealand, the Okanagan Valley in Canada, and Champagne in France. This makes it one of the best wine regions in Australia.

Barossa Valley

By Holly of Globeblogging

One of the best wine regions in Australia, the Barossa Valley is a popular day trip from Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia. Located just an hour from the city, there are plenty of options for tours if you do not have access to a car and a designated driver.

This picturesque valley is particularly known for its Shiraz and it has some of the oldest Shiraz vines in the world. You will find some mainstream wineries such as Jacob’s Creek, Penfolds, and Wolf Blass, but many gems can be found in the less known boutique wineries you may be introduced to via a tour. My personal favorite was Chateau Dorrien. I am not much of a wine drinker myself but Dorrien’s Chocolate Port was divine!

The Barossa also has a reputation for its culinary offerings, with stores and restaurants offering produce straight from the local farms. The famous chef Maggie Beer has a store and café that comes highly recommended by the locals.

No visit to South Australia is complete without a drive to the Barossa. On the way, you can also check out the town of Gawler, the oldest country town in South Australia, and where the popular Australian television series McLeod’s Daughters was filmed.

Coonawarra

By Erin Parker of Love To Travel, Stay-Eat-Do

The Coonawarra wine region, located in the Limestone Coast zone of South Australia, is just a short drive from the Victorian border. It is approximately halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide and one of the best wine regions in Australia. Coonawarra is famous for having the best Cabernet Sauvignon in Australia, produced on its ‘terra rossa’ soil.

The Coonawarra wine region also produces great Shiraz, Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Merlot in red. In white, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc. Due to the Coonawarra’s proximity to the Southern Ocean, during the summer it can experience some Mediterranean effects with a cool sea breeze.

One of the great things about the Coonawarra wine region is that the cellar doors are all close together. This means easy access and more time spent in the wineries than on a bus when you are on a Coonawarra wine tour. We can highly recommend wine tour specialists, Coonawarra Experiences. We have toured with them a couple of times and are booked to return. The hosts, Simon and Kerry, are friendly, knowledgeable and will give you a fantastic day out touring a range of great cellar doors.

Our favorite wineries we have visited have been Raidis Estate, Brand’s Laira, Bellwether Wines, Balnaves of Coonawarra, and Parker Estate. While we have tasted some exceptional wines in the Coonawarra wine region, the one we hold as a favorite is Kefi, from Raidis.

Kangaroo Island

By Pauline Vergnet of Beeloved City

If you are traveling to Australia, Kangaroo Island should be on your bucket list! It is Australia’s best-kept secret! Well known for its stunning beaches and beautiful national park, Flinders Chase, it is also one of the main wine regions within the Fleurieu Zone in South Australia. 

Kangaroo Island wines mainly include Shiraz but you will also find some Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The island is a paradise for foodies as it produces high-quality cheese, seafood, and wines. 

Kangaroos Island has 12 wineries. They all offer a great experience but depending on what you are after, you may pick a different one. If you want to discover a traditional winery and cellar, head to Bay of Shoals Wines. Located on the seaside, it offers both breath-taking views and amazing products. Everything is made by hand, keeping the traditions going!

Another great option would be The Islander Estate Vineyard. It was set up by a famous French winemaker from Bordeaux and offers French-influenced wines.

Finally, you can opt for a wine tasting at Dudley Wines. It was one of the original wineries on the island and has a bit of a different range of beverages including sparkling rose!

Kangaroo Island is not only a good destination for wine enthusiasts and one of the best wine regions in Australia. It offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the country. White-sandy beaches, forest, koalas, red soil… it has it all!

McLaren Vale

by Laura Lynch of Savored Sips

The McLaren Vale wine region is located in South Australia, about a 45-minute drive south of Adelaide, and it is a dream for wine lovers. It is definetly one of the best wine regions in Australia. Not only is the region covered in beautiful vines, there are more than 70 cellar doors to visit in McLaren Vale. It’s one of the most beautiful wine country vacations in the world.

The region produces world-famous red wines made with Shiraz grapes, as well as olive oil, vegetables, and a whole host of other gourmet products. This abundance attracts innovative and creative chefs and winemakers, so be prepared for a lot of great food and wine while visiting McLaren Vale.

You do not typically need to make an appointment in advance for tastings in the more well-known tasting rooms, like Wirra Wirra and Hugh Hamilton. However, some can get very busy in the height of the growing season, so it is best to secure an appointment. A few others of our favorites are Mitolo (try the Angela Shiraz) and the funky d’Arenberg Cube, where you can tour the Cube and indulge in a gourmet lunch.

While the wines produced here are very similar to the neighboring wine region of Barossa Valley, they are generally more subtle and fruity. The tasting rooms are similar. They do not take themselves so seriously and the environment is fun and welcoming.

Many of the tasting rooms are also set right among the vines, so you feel immersed in the environment. It is just a 5-minute drive between the wineries and very easy to navigate around the area. If you have a few days, we recommend spending 2-3 days to fully discover the best wine from McLaren Vale.

Best Wine Regions in Australia: Tasmania

Coal River Valley

By Andrew of Lap of Tasmania

Why couldn’t Tasmania’s early settlers have chosen a better name? It might be called the Coal River Valley, but with its pretty fields of purple poppies, sun-bright yellow sunflowers, and rolling hills draped with grapes, this is one of Tasmania’s most colorful regions. It is one of the best wine regions in Australia.

The cool, maritime climate and long, lazy summer days are the perfect combinations for quality wines. Interestingly, the Coal River Valley experiences a slightly drier, warmer microclimate that tempers these cooling effects. Together with excellent terroir results in fantastic variation from winery to winery that many compare to Burgundy in France.

You will find dozens of grape varieties up and down the valley, but its most prized drops are Pinot, Chardonnay, and Riesling. 

My wife and I have spent many a lazy day sampling the award-winning range of Pooley Rieslings in its heritage colonial surroundings, as well as the cherry and rose-petal Pinots from Third Child winery. But the biggest surprise of all? We believe the intensity and complexity of the Domaine A Cabernet Sauvignon make it one of the world’s best cool-climate reds! 

Foodies flock to this valley year-round. Long lunches are de rigeur, and the sweeping views from Frogmore Creek, Coal Valley Vineyard, and Puddleduck Winery make the perfect backdrop to some of Tasmania’s highest quality products. Just 15 minutes from Tasmania’s capital city, Hobart, the Coal River Valley is calling!

Tamar Valley

By Bryony Sumner of The Vegan Possum

The Tamar Valley is a stunningly beautiful wine region stretching 60km north of Launceston along both sides of the Tamar River in northern Tasmania. The Tamar Valley is Tasmania’s principal and oldest wine-growing region and produces some excellent wines. As you drive north of Launceston you will find over 30 vineyards, many of them boutique, organic or family-owned.

Tasmania produces arguably some of Australia’s best cool-climate wines, with Pinot Noir being the main local specialty. For lovers of lighter whites, you can also find delicious sparkling, Riesling, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay varieties. Some consider the sparkling wines of the Tamar Valley to be second only to the famous Champagne namesake.

There are too many great vineyards to mention all of them individually, but here are a couple of our favorites. Loira Vines, located on the West Tamar Highway, is a husband and wife team. They make exquisite Pinot Noir and serve incredible food platters with locally sourced produce such as the mouth-watering artisan cheese made with cashews. If you are looking for sparkling then the most famous local producer would be Jansz in Pipers Brook, considered Australia’s most highly regarded sparkling wine house.

Make sure to check out these vegan-friendly wines in the Tamar Valley when looking for a cruelty-free option. Tamar is one of our favorite wine trails in Australia as the area is a stand-alone holiday destination in itself. From breathtaking scenery and natural beauty to world-class tourist attractions, you should definitely schedule some extra time to explore. The Beaconsfield Mine and Heritage Centre is a must-visit – a former working gold mine with a fascinating history. The Tamar Valley is one of the best wine regions in Australia.

Best Wine Regions in Australia: Victoria

Bellarine Peninsula

By Vicki of Great Ocean Road Guide

The Bellarine Peninsula has been one of Australia’s best-kept secrets when it comes to wine regions. It is known for its Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs, and Shiraz’s, and about 20 cellar doors in the region. This area has become a great alternative to Victoria’s much more famous Yarra Valley for tasting tours. Located only 80 minutes drive from Melbourne CBD, it is great for day trips.

The area still has that regional Australia feel, and benefits from smaller crowds. Thus, making it feel like you practically have everywhere to yourself as you enjoy some of Oz’s best wines. I’m a big fan of the Scotchmans Hill Chardonnay if you are looking for inspiration! If all this is not a big enough incentive to visit the region, wine lovers will be thrilled to hear that heading down to the South West Coast of Victoria will also give you access to two more incredible wine regions!

To the West, the Moorabool Valley, which produces a warm continental style of wine. To the South, the Surf Coast creates some exceptional and unique wines (and craft beer and spirits!), despite the challenging conditions of the violent weather from the Bass Strait. This makes it one of the best wine regions in Australia.

Bendigo

By Sharon of Baby Journey

The Bendigo wine region is located in Central Victoria by the town of Bendigo about two hours from Melbourne. This region is famous for its red wines, primarily Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. However, they also produce many other varieties as well including Merlot, Viognier, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Sangiovese. The deep soils and long hours of sunshine in summer make it perfect for shiraz and cabernet sauvignon though.

Bendigo is a great region to visit thanks to being home to many wineries often still operated by their founding families. It is easy to find many cellar doors where you can taste or dine while chatting to the winemakers. Bendigo is also more casual and less busy than more popular regions like the Barossa Valley.

I love visiting the Balgownie Winery as it has a great set up with lots of space, food, and wines. It is also family-friendly, thus making it one of the best wine regions in Australia. Other recommended wineries are LynneVale Estate and Kangderaar Vineyard.

If you can visit during the Strategem Bendigo Winemakers Festival usually in April. Held in Bendigo, this is a great way to taste many of the wines of the region in one place. Bendigo Uncorked Week in October is also lots of fun with food and wine events all around Bendigo.

Gippsland

By Mark Wyld from Travels in Gippsland

Gippsland is the largest region in Victoria. It extends from east of Melbourne to NSW/Victorian border. Gippsland stretches from the beaches of Wilsons Promontory in the south to the slopes of Mount Hotham in the north.

Wine in the Gippsland region has only started to emerge in the last 30 years. Most wineries you will find are family-owned businesses who have been honing their skills into making some amazing drops, rich in flavor and characteristics.

Gippsland is renowned for its Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and its Cabinet Sauvignon and Merlot. Some of the most popular wineries in Gippsland include Wyanga Park Winery in Lakes Entrance, Blue Gables near Maffra, Wild Dog Winery near Warrigal just to name a few.

Most of the bigger wineries have a cellar door with food and snacks available to compliment their wines. Gippsland is one of the best wine regions in Australia.

Mornington Peninsula

By Josh Shephard from Lost in Victoria

The Mornington Peninsula is a scenic region located just over an hour south of Melbourne. On either side of the peninsula, the coasts are lined by small islands and bays. In between which you will find a collection of some of Australia’s best wineries.

The region is regarded as a cool climate wine-growing region, ideal for producing Pinot Noir. However, some other popular wine types are Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, and Tempranillo. While there are quite a few wineries on the Mornington Peninsula, we recommend dropping into Red Hill Estate or Merricks Creek Winery, or Rare Hare for the perfect glass of Pinot Noir.

As a cool climate wine growing region, the wines produced on the Mornington Peninsula are similar to those found in other Australian cool climate wine growing regions such as the Yarra Valley in Victoria, the Adelaide Hills in South Australia, or the New England Tablelands in New South Wales.

The diversity of activities on the Mornington Peninsula makes it an ideal escape from Melbourne all year round. Enjoy the amazing beaches in the summer, or the geothermal hot springs in the winter, hike the incredible coastal walk at Cape Schanck and head to a winery for lunch or dinner. You’ve pretty much got a weekend sorted right there.

Yarra Valley

Yarra Valley, one of the major wine regions in Australia, contains over 70 wineries. Located about an hour east of Melbourne, Yarra Valley makes for a very easy day trip. There are multiple wine tasting tours that leave from Melbourne. This is a great option if you do not want to worry about driving. However, if you have the time, rent a car and spend the night in the area to get a better feel for the wineries. 

Wines typical to this region include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and a variety of sparkling wines. The cooler climate makes producing these easier and creates many more acidic wines. Punt Road, established in 1987, makes some delicious wines, especially their Pinot. St. Huberts is another popular favorite in the area and produces a great Chardonnay. Make sure not to miss Helen and Joey Estate, even if it is only to ride on their unicorn for a photo opp! Some wineries are open by appointment only, so make sure to check before you go.

I felt the wines in Yarra Valley were different from many other wines I had tasted. The cool weather climate makes for unique flavors and easy-drinking wines. Along with many wineries, the area also contains several microbreweries that are worth a stop!

Best Wine Regions in Australia: Western Australia

Margaret River

By Agnes Groonwald of Travel on the Reg

If you are traveling to Perth, you may as well explore one of the best wine regions in Australia: the Margaret River. Three hours south of the city, you will find more than 200 vineyards focused predominantly on Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz in the reds, and Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay in the whites. In terms of the climate there, it is most similar to that of Bordeaux, which is not a bad company for a wine region. 

The wineries in the Margaret River are as diverse as any other wine region. Kick things off at The Berry Farm if you are getting an early start. In addition to their sparkling and dessert wines, they also have the flakiest scones you will ever taste, complete with their own in-house jams.

For some historical significance, try the region’s first winery, Vasse Felix, known for their Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Cullen Wines has been around for a while, too, pouring their award-winning Chardonnays and Cabernet blends since the 1970s. Voyager Estate is another award-winner, also known for its Cabernets and Chardonnays. Their restaurant is stellar, too, but pricey. Bookings are essential if you are interested.

Before you leave, supplement your wine tastings with a visit to Temper Temper Fine Chocolate, a chocolate shop with some of the strangest yet still most delicious chocolate you’ll find during your trip to Australia. Think sweet and spicy, and chocolate-dipped ginger.

Swan Valley

By Nina of West Australian Explorer

It might come as a surprise to know that Perth’s Swan Valley is the second oldest wine region in Australia. The first vines were planted by the early settlers shortly after their arrival in 1829. Today there are over 100 wine producers in the region which include some of Western Australia’s finest wineries.

The main grape varieties in the Swan Valley include Verdelho, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These varieties are particularly suited to the temperate Mediterranean climate found in the Swan Valley. High sugar wines such as Verdelho and Shiraz are particularly favored.

The best thing about the Swan Valley is that it is only a 20-minute drive from Perth CBD and makes for an ideal day trip from Perth. For first time visitors, the best way to explore the Swan Valley is to follow the Fine Wine trail. The trail will take you to the region’s most esteemed and award-winning wineries. Some of these include Sandalford Winery, Mandoon Estate, Garbin Estate Wines, Oakover Wines, Sittella Winery, John Kosovich Wines, Faber Vineyard, and Talijancich Wines. All have produced award-winning wines in recent years.

Along with the better-known wineries, the Swan Valley is also home to some fantastic small boutique wineries. Many of these are a labor of love for their owners and meeting the winemakers at the cellar door is a true joy. One of my favorites is Upper Reach Winery, where you can also take a tour of the wine production process and enjoy a picnic on their beautiful grounds.

The Australian Wine Regions

With over 60 wine regions in Australia, the Australian wine industry can be a competitive and popular industry. These are just some of the best wine regions in Australia. Other popular regions include Clare Valley, Rutherglen, and South Burnett. What are your favorite Australian wine regions?

Traveling the World? Check out these other wine regions around the world!

• Best wine regions in the United States
• The best wine regions in New Zealand
• Best wine regions in Canada
• 14 Amazing wine regions to visit in Italy

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